13Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.14But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”15But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.16After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Jesus being baptized by John, by anyone seems so odd, and yet is it? I’m sure I am missing the theology of what is happening here, but for me it is another lesson in humility. You have in the Jordon river the Messiah, the Son Of God, and John the Baptist, the greatest prophet that ever lived. Now listen to them. John says he isn’t worthy and needs baptized by Jesus. Jesus humbly just wants to obey his Father. If John and Jesus can both act with such humility, who am I to ever show any pride?
And then think about this. Jesus, the creator of the universe, walks into the same muddy water as thousands of other sinners taking part in their ritual of change. From the very beginning of His ministry he doesn’t want to be with the elite or the popular. No he literally is immersing himself in the daily lives of the outcast who want to change their lives so they can be closer to God.
Jesus, humble me and fill me with the desire to be with You and those who love You. Bring me out of my sheltered life and into the wilderness. Help me to run to be with people who are “crazy” for You, like John, and plunge me into the river of change that now flows from You. Change me Lord, change me so much. Beginner’s Online Bible Study *obbs*
